Rip has missed 6 of the last 7 games due to a sore hip and as a fan that worries me. Here’s an update on Rip’s hip from Chris McCosky’s Detroit News blog:
The problem is the joint that connects the left hip and groin. Hamilton said he was encouraged, said that he could feel it getting better, finally, the last couple of days. Physical therapist Arnie Kander said the rest will do Hamilton a world of good, giving him fresh legs for the playoffs.The plan, for now, is to have Hamilton play Wednesday at Philly.
Hmmm? That’s not an injury that is all that common to the best of my knowledge. Kinda sounds like a groin pull more than a hip injury. Usually when you talk about hip injuries it’s on the outside, like a hip pointer. But what do I know. I’m no Arnie Kander, actually just the opposite, I hate seeing injuries.
I just hope it’s not more than they’re leading on. He seemed fine in the Cleveland game.
If he is indeed feeling better I hope he gets 20-25 minutes over the last six regular season games. Rip is a rhythm shooter and will need those minutes to stay on the rest side of the rest vs. rust argument. Remember how long it took him to get into rhythm at the beginning of the season after a series of events kept him in and out of the line up? Remember it even had some calling for Rippers benching? It’s one thing to work through a slump to start a season, but an entirely different animal to do it to start a playoff run.
